Unemployment continued to rise in many states in August, with joblessness in three states— California, Nevada, and Rhode Island—reaching record highs, according to government data released Friday.

In all, the rate rose from July in 27 states and the District of Columbia, declined in 16 states and was unchanged in seven others, according to the Labor Department.

Michigan, again, had the highest jobless rate in the nation at 15.2 percent, matching its June level.

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“We haven’t seen any major changes over this period of time,” Rick Waclawek, director of the state’s Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth’s Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives.

By contrast, in August 2008, Michigan had a jobless rate of 8.6 percent.

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Nevada had the second highest unemployment rate of 13.2 percent, followed by Rhode Island at 12.8 percent. California and Oregon were tied for fourth place at 12.2 percent.